In-Flight Nanny Service Is a Traveling Parent's Dream Come True

Mary Poppins might have flown in on an umbrella, but Flying Nannies just became a real thing. Oh yes, Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, got together with UK-based nanny school Norland College to launch their Flying Nanny service.

Three hundred crewmembers have spent the last two months being trained at Norland and educated in child psychology and sociology. Special skills may include performing magic tricks and finding only perfectly unbroken crackers for a happy snack time.

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Ok, I made that part about the crackers up, but the magic trick part is totally true. The orange apron-clad Flying Nannies will also do arts and crafts with the kiddies, and help with other tasks like refilling milk bottles and providing snacks. So maybe I wasn’t that far off about the crackers after all.

Aubrey Tiedt, the airline’s vice president of guest services, said in a statement:

Flying with a young family can be a daunting task, even for the most experienced travelers, and the Flying Nanny role demonstrates our understanding of our guests' needs and our commitment to making the journey as relaxing and comfortable as possible.

It’s genius. Air travel is a nightmare these days, and while we love our kids, and love sharing our destinations with them, getting them there isn’t always so fun. Now you can just sign them up for in-flight childcare! Can this please become a thing in the United States?